Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 162
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Heritage & History
Petersfield
Petersfield Big Dig is a two-week test pit excavation run by Liss Archaeology with the Petersfield Area Historical and Archaeological Society.
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.
Performing Arts
Newport
Welcome to the Rock!
Shoreline Productions is thrilled to bring the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away to the Isle of Wight for the very first time, from 3rd–6th September at the spectacular Robin Hill Amphitheatre.
Indoor
Winchester
Get away this summer with a two-night stay away at the Royal Winchester Hotel. Located in the heart of Winchester, this historic hotel full of modern comforts is a fantastic base not only to discover the ancient capital of England, but also the…
Festival
Portsmouth
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Southsea Common is brought to you by Magic of Thailand.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
This summer experience the Vile Victorians like you've never seen them before in our Horrible Histories® trail, some very special guests have returned to Beaulieu, plus you can meet living history, enjoy magical extras, and magnificent motoring…
Exhibitions
Farnborough
The Greatest Show on Wheels is back, bigger and more exciting than ever! The British Motor Show 2026 held at Farnborough International, 21st -23rd August brings you an incredible mix of jaw-dropping cars, thrilling live action, hands-on experiences,…
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Bay Regatta on the Isle of Wight Annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from the stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.
Family entertainment For the…
Arts
Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Sporting Event
Southampton
Join us for the 11th Anniversary of the ABP Southampton Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K and Fun Run! Taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2026 - run with friends, with your club or for a charity. The route takes you round parks, seas and city. Sign up now and…
Carnival
Sandown
Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Family entertainment There will be a…
General event
Southampton
See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and Hengistbury Head, before sailing to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will later return to our…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Audi on Saturday 18 July 2026.
All Audi owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds, for a superb day for enthusiasts and owners.
Show / Display
Southampton
Back for its 57th edition, the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show, Britain's largest marine festival, is returning to Mayflower Park, Southampton. The show will be open from Friday 18th to Sunday 27th September, and promises to have…
Participatory Event
Beaulieu
Join New Forest Activities in Beaulieu for a fantastic introduction to the world of Bushcraft, based in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Summer
SANDOWN
The popular Sunrise Breakfasts are returning to Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight this summer. Doors open from 8.30am so you can have a delicious breakfast while enjoying a rare early morning encounter with our rescued animals.
Childrens Events
Winchester
Put on your headphones and step into the world of K-Pop at the Winchester Science Centre high-energy family silent disco!
Choose your music channel and dance under colourful lights inspired by the global K-Pop scene. Join us for an unforgettable…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Explore Marwell Zoo after hours in an intimate after-hours safari, limited to just 60 guests.
Hosted by members of the Marwell team, visitors will experience the atmosphere of the zoo after hours, with opportunities to meet keepers, hear personal…
Festival
Portsea
Coffee on the Coast is a one day specialty coffee festival in Portsmouth, bringing together roasters, industry experts, and coffee lovers.
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